June 2012 - Chicago White Sox Wiretap
The Diamondbacks are believed to be shopping Jason Kubel and the White Sox may have interest in the outfielder.
Chicago has "talked about" Kubel, who slugged 30 home runs alongside an .833 OPS for Arizona in 2012.
Kubel signed a two-year, $15 million contract last offseason. He's owed $7.5 million in 2013 and carries a $7.5 million club option for 2014.
The White Sox are looking around for a left-handed hitter as the offseason progresses.
They have also let it be known that they are willing to trade Gavin Floyd in the right deal.
The American League Central has gotten stronger around the White Sox, while they have failed to make a splash, but they remain confident heading into 2013.
"There's nothing you can do, but go play," Gordon Beckham said. "Nobody in the world thought we would be relevant at all last year. We led for so long, faltered at the end, and Detroit played well, so tip your hat to them. This year, we need a different ending, at least I sure hope it is."
The Tigers will get Victor Martinez back and they added Torii Hunter and re-signed Anibal Sanchez. The Royals, meanwhile, have added a No. 1 starter in James Shields.
"Detroit adding those players doesn't change what we are trying to do. We want to do the same as last year, with the exception of the last few weeks," Tyler Flowers said. "We are in the same boat as last offseason, with Detroit making the big move to get Prince [Fielder]. We just need to have the same start as last year and continue throughout the whole season."
Catcher A.J. Pierzynski has agreed to terms with the Rangers on a one-year deal, pending a physical, sources confirmed.
Pierzynski, who turns 36 on Dec. 30, batted .278 with 27 homers and 77 RBIs this past season for the White Sox. He played in 135 games, starting 121 at catcher.
The White Sox continue to search for a left-handed hitter this offseason.
"We're actively talking to other clubs and a couple of free agents," Rick Hahn said. "Signing Jeff [Keppinger] takes a little bit of pressure off of the infield hole now, but it doesn't mean we won't take a look at (other areas) on roster."
Major League Baseball's average salary increased 3.8 percent this year to a record $3.2 million.
According to final figures released Friday by the Major League Baseball Players Association, the rise was the steepest since 2007.
The boost was helped by an increase in the minimum salary from $414,000 to $480,000.
The White Sox have agreed to terms on a three-year, $12 million deal with Jeff Keppinger, according to a source.
The decision likely means Kevin Youkilis won't return to Chicago. Keppinger was coveted by a number of teams, including the Yankees.
Brian Cashman has confirmed that he met with the representation for Kevin Youkilis.
The Yankees are in the market for a third baseman after news broke earlier this week that Alex Rodriguez would undergo hip surgery and be sidelined until at least June.
Cashman isn't optimistic about signing a third baseman with the cost high.
"Beggars can't be choosers," Cashman said.
Youkilis made $12.25 million last season.
The Astros have claimed Philip Humber off waivers from the White Sox and agreed to a one-year contract with the pitcher.
Humber tossed a perfect game with Chicago early in the 2012 season.
He will receive an $800,000 salary next year. There is a club option for $3 million in 2014 with a $50,000 buyout.